Staal progressing for a likely return by the Eastern Conference Finals

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Pittsburgh’s Jordan Staal took another step towards a potential return this post-season, participating fully in the Penguins optional skate this morning in Montreal.

Staal who skated for a few minutes in sweats prior to yesterday’s morning skate, was in full equipment and participated in all drills today, according to reports.

Staal skated with more authority today which was another positive sign after his brief skate on Tuesday.

The Penguins remain highly optimistic that Staal’s return to the lineup is weeks not months.

Word around the team is that Staal is progressing to the point where a return is likely within 7-to-10 days. A scenario that didn’t appear possible just days ago.

Because the injury is not to Staal’s achilles which was first speculated and reported, I’m told that team doctors believe he can play with this injury without doing any further damage. The major issue is whether he can play through the pain and that appears to be the case thus far.

Head coach Dan Bylsma continues to indicate that Staal is day-to-day. A return for this series remains unlikely and would be shocking to some but if the series drags on into next week, there’s a slight chance Staal could become available for a game 7 Wednesday night.

Guerin update

Penguins forward Bill Guerin did not skate for the second straight day. 13 players participated in today’s skate. Multiple team sources continue to indicate that Guerin remains bothered by sore back that has bothered him throughout the season since late January. The injury is not serious but he will go into tomorrow’s game as a game time decision once again.

Trade Buzz: Thursday’s 1-for-1 trade of young underperforming players saw the Minnesota Wild acquire center Victor Rask from the Carolina Hurricanes for left winger Nino Niederreiter. Carolina did an excellent job of being able to get out of the Rask contract, who has three years remaining with a $4 million cap hit. Rask has 1 goal, 5 assists on the season, mirrored in a 22-game goal drought. The logic here for Minnesota is taking the chance on a playmaking center who can help fill a top-9 spot longer term if the Wild move on from Eric Staal. Minnesota is also playing the card that a change of scenery will benefit the 24-year old who posted a career-high 21 goals, 48 points in 2015-2016.

Niederreiter’s trade value was stunted because of his contract, where he has three years left on his deal with a $5.25 million cap hit. Niederreiter is a player who is extremely hard to play against, drives possession well, and has three 20 goal seasons over his last four full seasons. Injuries (18 goals in 63 games) kept him from a 4th straight 20-goal season in 17-18. The Niederreiter acquisition also sets up as great insurance for the Hurricanes if they can’t resign Micheal Ferland. In the short-term, Carolina’s center situation is a mess with Jordan Staal sidelined with a concussion, but they’re getting the better player who fits the identity they’re trying to establish upfront, especially on the wings where they’ve identified the need for Patric Hornqvist type players.